RoadVitals

2005 Ford F-150 Suspension Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Suspension reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
49
Latest Mar 3, 2024
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 1,112 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2005 Ford F-150 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 49 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming suspension

The 25 most recent of 49, in the owner's own words

Suspension
Filed Mar 3, 2024

Nothing has happened yet but frame of truck is rusting apart and suspension is going to fall off. This is not just this truck it’s lots of 04-06 f150

NHTSA ID
11575169
Incident
Mar 3, 2024
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 7, 2024

Frame on passenger and drive side by transmission, fuel tank, and rear leaf springs are rusted and have no integrity left. No structure integrity if in an accident. If fractures completely, will loose control of vehicle as the bed will contact cab, driveshaft will jamb into transmission, lock up brakes from pinched brake lines, loss of brakes from severed brake lines, lose control and go into on coming traffic or into roadside structures including pedestrians. NOTE: Your system will not let me upload pictures.

NHTSA ID
11564033
Incident
Dec 29, 2023
Suspension
Filed Mar 19, 2023

The undercarriage and frame is rusted .Ford said it was not under warranty and the truck was unsafe to drive. Most of the rust is mainly at the rear of truck and if the truck was hit in the rear it would be very unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID
11512628
Incident
Mar 19, 2023
Mileage
188,083 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving and making a turn at various speeds, there was an abnormal popping noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the spark plugs, cam shaft sensor, and coils were replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the CV axle boots were torn. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage 91,082.

NHTSA ID
11506682
Incident
Aug 3, 2017
Mileage
91,082 mi
Suspension
Filed Jan 11, 2023

The main frame is so corroded that it is unsafe to drive. The body has no rust and the engine only has 73,000 miles on it. I went to the Ford garage for new tires and they found the damage to the frame

NHTSA ID
11501376
Incident
Jan 11, 2023
Suspension
Filed Oct 26, 2022

This is the 2nd Ford F 150 pick up with which I've had rusted frames! The 1st, a 1999, I ended up junking. This one needs $2000 of welding to make the frame safe to drive. The proprietor of [XXX] Welding says he's done over 40 F 150's for the same problem with the frames. My mechanic, [XXX], at Shaw's Automotive, says he's seen F 150's that have collapsed around a lift when they were in for a simple oil change. The internet states this is a common issue with F 150's. SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY! These trucks should not be on the road until Ford repairs them or buys them back, like Toyota did in the 90's!!!! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11490964
Incident
Oct 26, 2022
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Apr 25, 2021

FRAME RUSTING TERRIBLY AND FRAME CRACKING NEAR DRIVERS SIDE FORWARD LEAF SPRING MOUNT. TRUCK HAS ONLY 128,000 MILES. DO NOT HAUL OR TOW ANY WHERE NEAR THE TRUCKS CAPACITY. NORMAL DRIVING AND MINOR OFF ROAD USE.

NHTSA ID
11413821
Incident
Apr 15, 2021
Mileage
127,000 mi
Body & structurePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Apr 8, 2021

COMPLETE FRAME UNDER TRUNK IS RUSTED TO WHERE THE FRAME IS GETTING READY TO BREAK IN HALF I HAVE LOOKED AT SEVERAL OTHER OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND THEY HAVE THE SAME SIMILAR PROBLEMS SO I'M NOT AS BAD AS OTHERS BUT 90% OF THEM ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE I LIVE IN THE AREA THERE'S NOT A LOT OF SALT NORE SAND IF THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH JUST MY VEHICLE I WOULD UNDERSTAND BUT SINCE IT IS A PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF THESE TRUCKS SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BUY FORD MANUFACTURES.

NHTSA ID
11407009
Incident
Apr 7, 2021
Suspension
Filed Dec 2, 2020

FRAME OF TRUCK IS ROTTED AROUND LEAF SPRING AREAS AND UNDER CAB OF TRUCK AS WELL AS BED RAILS.

NHTSA ID
11377466
Incident
Dec 2, 2020
SteeringSuspension
Filed Feb 8, 2020

EXPERIENCE I GUESS THE THEY CALL IT THE DEATH WOBBLE. MAKES MY VEHICLE FEEL LIKE IT NOT ME A TING TO RUN RIGHT THE STEERING IS WEIRD AND CAN'T GET FORD TO CHECK IT OUT TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON WITH IT THEY SAY JUST GET AN ALIGNMENT BUT THAT ISN'T HELPING

NHTSA ID
11307908
Incident
Feb 8, 2020
Mileage
94,141 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Dec 17, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-150. AFTER REPLACING THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A LIFT. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO PLACE ON THE LIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO FREDERICK MOTOR COMPANY (1 WAVERLEY DR, FREDERICK, MD 21702, (800) 734-9118). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.*BF*JB

NHTSA ID
11289564
Incident
Dec 7, 2019
Mileage
57,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jun 25, 2019

TWO MECHANICS AND ONE AUTOBODY TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND REPORTED THAT THE CHASSIS IS HEAVILY CORRODED THROUGHOUT FOR THE VEHICLE'S AGE AND IS NOT SAFE FOR TOWING. ONE MECHANIC REPORTED THAT THE REAR END OF THE TRUCK WOULD REQUIRE OVER $1,000 OF WELDED STEEL REINFORCEMENTS TO MAKE TRUCK TOWE WORTHY. ALSO GAS TANK CAN FELL DUE TO THE TANK HOLDER STREEPS ARE ATTACHED TO THE CORROTED CHASSIS.

NHTSA ID
11222416
Incident
Jun 18, 2019
Mileage
130,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Apr 12, 2019

I HAVE A 2005 F150 FX4 THAT I BOUGHT IN 2010. IN 2017 WITH THE TRUCK BEING 12 YEARS OLD. I HAD TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROAD BECAUSE OF FRAME ROT! THIS WAS MY BABY AND TAKEN WELL CARE OF. BOTH SIDES IN FRONT OF THE REAR AXLE ARE ROTTED OUT TO THE POINT A JACK JUST GOES RIGHT THROUGH THEM. THE INSPECTION FAILED BECAUSE IF THEY WOULD HAVE LIFTED IT, IT WOULD HAVE FOLDED IN HALF. ALSO HAS A BROKEN FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING. I SHOULD HAVE A VEHICLE WORTH AROUND 8-10 GRAND THAT IS GOING TO SELL FOR SCRAP METAL PRICED. WHY ARE AMERICAN AUTO MAKER NOT HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING DEFECTIVE VEHICLES? MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE WAS AN 199O TOYOTA TACOMA THAT HAD A FRAME ROT RECALL AND MINE WAS SPOTLESS. FAST FORWARD, BOUGHT AN AMERICAN MADE VEHICLE THAT COST ME 15 GRAND AND GOT 6 AND A HALF YEARS OUT OF AND NO ONE HOLDING FORD RESPONSIBLE! SICKENING!

NHTSA ID
11195881
Incident
Jul 8, 2017
Mileage
158,000 mi
Seat beltsSuspension
Filed Feb 3, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported

YES A DRUNK DRIVER RAN INTO ME AND I THINK THE OFFICER LET HIM JUST CALL HIS WIFE TO COME GET HIM CAUSE HE WAS TO DRUNK TO DRIVE AND IT WAS MAYBE INVOLVING HIM DOING ON REPAIRS TO THE OFFICERS CAR THE REASON HE GOT OFF SCOT FREE, I MAY COULD UNDERSTAND IT BUT HE LIKE BROAD SIDED ME AND SENT ME FLYING ACROSS THE SEAT AND I SAW HIM TAKE OFF AND SO I WAS REACHING AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL TO TRY AND MAKE A SHARPER TURN AND GIVE IT SOME MORE GAS EVIDENTLY IT DID NOT WORK CAUSE THIS WAS JUNE 2 OF 2018 AND MY SHOULDER IS STILL HURT,HE HAS INSURANCE I HAVE INSURANCE BUT AFTER THE EMERGENCY ROOM VISIT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HIRE A LAWYER,I HAVE NOT EVEN BEEN ABLE TO GET A DOCTOR TO TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY SHOULDER,I CAN'T GET INTO AN ORTHO GROUP CAUSE THEY SAY WE DON'T TAKE THIRD PARTY CHECKS ,I FINALLY GOT INTO THE REGIONAL ONE IN MEMPHIS AND MADE THE APPOINTMENT 4 MONTHS AGO,AND STILL HAVE A MONTH TO GO ,IT IS NOT FAIR,I HAVE CONTACTED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MISSISSIPPI AND WASHINGTON,I HAVE SENT EMAILS TO THE SENATOR THE GOVERNOR AND THEY REFERRED BACK TO MY LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES WHICH I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK FROM THEM AND THAT WAS A COUPLE MONTHS AGO,I ONLY GET ABOUT 3 HOURS SLEEP AT A TIME AND HAVE BEEN LIVING OFF MY SAVINGS FOR THE LAST 8 MONTHS ,IT IS ALMOST GONE AND WHEN I DO GET IN I AM NOT SURE IF I WILL EVEN HAVE THE MONEY BY THEN TO PAY FOR THE GAS TO GET BACK AND FORTH DURING THE PROCEDURE OF GETTING MY SHOULDER FIXED,I THINK YOU NEED TO USE THE MONEY FROM BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING AND USE IT TO HELP THE INNOCENT PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A WRECK BY A DRUNK DRIVER ESPECIALLY IF THE OFFICERS DON'T I FORCE THE LAW, BECAUSE WHEN THERE IS NO LAW ENFORCEMENT THERE IS NO LAW IN MY EYES,MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I LIVE IN [XXX] AND I HAVE A LOT MORE TO ADD TO THIS STORY BUT EVIDENTLY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH SPACE,PLEASE HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

NHTSA ID
11173784
Incident
Jun 2, 2018
Mileage
296,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 12, 2018

TRUCK WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO FRAME RUST ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK.

NHTSA ID
11119515
Incident
Aug 8, 2018
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Sep 29, 2017

THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE BUT ITS TILL 2004, BUT SHOULD BE EXPANDED. I HAVE A 2005 F150 WITH THE SAME ISSUES AS A 2004 F150 AND THE CHASSIS SUFFERS FROM MASSIVE CORROSION. MY TRUCK IS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FRAME IS ROTTING THROUGH AND VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. IT CAN SEPARATE AT ANY TIME. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 88K MILES AND IT COULD SEPARATE AT ANYTIME. IF INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IT CAN BE FATAL. NHTSA YOU NEED TO INVESTIGATE AND RECALL THIS SERIOUS ISSUE RIGHT AWAY AND SAVE PEOPLES LIVES.

NHTSA ID
11030596
Incident
Sep 29, 2017
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jun 26, 2017

FRAME RUSTED AND CRACKED, 72,000 MILES. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER. NOTE, ALL OTHER UNDERBODY COMPONENTS APPEAR NORMAL FOR AGE AND MILES; THOUGH I DON'T HAVE TOO MUCH FAITH IN REAR DRIVE SHAFT. LOCATION IS IN FRONT LEAF SPRING ATTACHMENT BRACKET ADJACENT TO FUEL TANK.

NHTSA ID
11001320
Incident
Jun 23, 2017
Mileage
72,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jun 14, 2017

FORD F 150 CRACKED REAR FRAME RAILS TRUCK MADE IN 2004 THEY HAD A RECALL FOR TRUCKS MADE IN 2004 BUT MY TRUCK IS TITLED AS A 2005 THEY MUST STILL HAVE HAD BAD FRAMES LEFT OVER THEY USED TO BUILD 2005 TRUCKS REAR OF TRUCK IS FLOATING WHEN YOU DRIVE IT.

NHTSA ID
10995230
Incident
Jun 7, 2017
Mileage
168,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 17, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED BECAUSE BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,433. UPDATED 06/01/17*LJ *CN

NHTSA ID
10955270
Incident
Feb 2, 2017
Mileage
49,433 mi
Suspension
Filed May 14, 2016

MY F150 FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH WHERE IT ACTUALLY BROKE I WORK AS A WELDER AND I HAVE FIXED 3 DIFFRANT TRUCKS F150 AROUND THE SAME YEAR IT IS MOSTLY ON DRIVERS SIDE.

NHTSA ID
10864870
Incident
May 1, 2016
Mileage
160,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Mar 30, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-150. WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE SWAY BAR LINKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,050.

NHTSA ID
10852548
Incident
Mar 29, 2016
Mileage
167,050 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jun 28, 2015

TURNING LEFT INTO SOUTH BOUND LANE OF A HIGHWAY WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAUSED THE TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE THAT AREA. THE TIRE LANDED ON THE HIGHWAY HOWEVER REMAINED ATTACHED FROM THE LOWER ASSEMBLY. DUE TO THE MOMENTUM OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO GET ACROSS THE HIGHWAY TO PREVENT A COLLISION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CENTER. THE RIGHT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH

NHTSA ID
10730841
Incident
Jun 26, 2015
Mileage
111,282 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Feb 28, 2015

THE LOWER UJOINT ON THE STEERING COLUMN IS FREEZING UP FROM CORROSION. IN THE PAST I HAD NOTICED IT WAS GETTING HARDER TO STEER SO I WOULD SPRAY THE JOINTS WITH PENETRATING OIL AND THEY WOULD IMPROVE. TODAY THE JOINTS WERE SO BAD IT WAS AS IF THE POWER STEERING HAD GIVEN OUT, TO THE POINT I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THAT I DIDN'T BLOW A POWER STEERING HOSE. I WILL NOT LET MY WIFE DRIVE THIS TRUCK UNTIL THE PART IS REPLACED BUT AT A COST OF $200 FOR THE PART IT WILL HAVE TO BE PARKED FOR A WHILE. I UNDERSTAND NORMAL WEAR BUT THIS IS COMMON ENOUGH TO DRAW SOME ATTENTION I HOPE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10691257
Incident
Feb 28, 2015
Mileage
112,752 mi
Powertrain (other)SteeringSuspension
Filed Feb 11, 2015

I JUST WANTED TO ADD MY VEHICLE TO THE LIST OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DIFFERENTIAL. MINE MAKES NOISE AND HAS MADE NOISE FOR QUITE SOME TIME. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE TIRES OR ROTORS. I FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS COMING DIRECTLY FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. BASED ON THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE HEARD, I AM PRETTY SURE THIS IS THE SAME THING. THE NOISE SOUNDS LIKE METAL RUNNING ON METAL. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING FORD SHOULD PAY TO FIX. IF I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT, I'M DEFINITELY NOT USING FORD. I READ THAT'S MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINTS. THIS FAILURE IS SECURITY PUBLIC PROBLEMS, BECAUSE ACCIDENTAL OR CRASH MAY OCCUR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10682846
Incident
Dec 15, 2014
Mileage
97,500 mi
AirbagsSeat beltsSuspension
Filed Oct 9, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER AND STABILIZER BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA ID
10643527
Incident
Sep 24, 2014
Mileage
33,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .